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Leas Cliff Hall

1026

Resolutely calling itself a hall, this may be regarded as a theatre. Although designed in 1913 it was not built until 1927. It is a four storey building, reinforced concrete-framed with brick infill, and partly faience faced, with iron balconies. It is set into the side of the cliffs, at the top of which is the parade known as The Leas. The box-office building on the Leas was replaced in 1980 by one which resembles a pagoda. A fine double staircase leads down to the hall. A balcony runs around three sides. Moveable stalls seats on a polished, sprung dance floor. There are sightline problems because the hall is about twice as wide as it is deep, the stage being in the middle of the longer wall, opposite the staircase. A variable sized proscenium arch can be created and rostra are available to provide forestages of differing sizes. Backstage there is a bandroom, rehearsal room, green room and six dressing rooms.

At the time of writing there are plans to extend and refurbish the building.

Built / Converted
1927
Dates of use
  • 1927 : Multi-purpose Hall
  • 1939 - 1945: Multi-purpose Hall Dance Hall
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (Multi-purpose hall)
Address
The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • 1927 Use: Multi-purpose Hall
  • 1927 Design/Construction:
    J L Seaton Dahl (to design of 1913)
    - Architect
  • 1939 - 1945 Use: Multi-purpose Hall Dance Hall
  • 1980 Alteration: alterations
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1994 Owner/Management: Shepway District Council
  • 2009 Owner/Management: Bought by Ambassador Theatre Group
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    825 (seated)
Listings
  • Listing
    II
    Comment
    Listed 1999
Stage type
Pros flat
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: No grid
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -